Lunch Under $5

Opinions are divided on when the recession will end. So, until it does, I've decided to initiate a new post category: "Lunch Under $5." Here are my latest finds. (Note: some of these restaurants have more than one location, but I've only included the location I visited.)

• Fried Whitefish Sandwich: This hefty filet, topped with cheese and lettuce and served on a soft mayo-spread bun, will set you back $3.75. (Cafe Zaiya: 18 East 41st St., 212-779-0600.)
  

• 1/2 Lb. Cornmeal Crostata: A big wedge of this savory crostata comes in two flavors - ham, cheddar and Parmesan or zucchini and feta - and costs only $4.75 (Dishes At Home: Grand Central Market, 212-370-5511.)

• Rice Plate: Of the 30 rice plates at Great N.Y. Noodletown, only nine are over $5. My friend proclaimed the $4 soy-poached chicken "the best he's ever had." Also available are roast duck (How much is that ducky in the window? $4) and curry beef stew ($4.25). (Great N.Y. Noodletown: 28 1/2 Bowery, 212-349-0923.)